
Driving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria
Austria, europe
120.7 km
1,628 m
moderate
Year-round
# Gerlos Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride
Ready for an exhilarating Alpine adventure? The Gerlos Alpenstraße in Salzburg, Austria is absolutely worth the drive. This stunning toll road connects Krimml to Königsleiten and is one of those scenic mountain routes that'll have you gripping the wheel in the best way possible.
Built back in 1962 according to Franz Wallack's ambitious plans, this 12-kilometer stretch of fully paved road packs serious Alpine charm into a short journey. Don't let the modest distance fool you though—eight hairpin turns and a punishing 9% gradient in places make this a proper mountain driving challenge that'll test your skills and nerves.
The real magic happens as you climb to 1,628 meters above sea level, winding through the stunning High Tauern National Park. The payoff? Breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine landscape and access to the jaw-dropping Krimml Waterfalls, which plunge an incredible 380 meters down the mountainside.
The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience this Alpine beauty no matter the season. Whether you're a serious mountain road enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Gerlos Alpenstraße delivers on every level. Just come prepared for those hairpins and steep grades—they're part of what makes this route so special.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 46.8424, 13.6852
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 120.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,628 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.8424, 13.6852
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to reach the summit of Corral del Niño?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Carretera de la Esperanza, one of Spain's most scenic drives, smack-dab in the heart of Tenerife’s Teide National Park. Seriously, this road runs right along the island's spine, and you're often driving *above* the clouds – unreal! Your destination? The Corral del Niño viewpoint, perched at a seriously impressive elevation. This place is like a balcony overlooking the Canary Islands’ volcanic past, giving you the most dramatic views of the "Malpaís" (that's lava fields, for those not fluent in volcano-speak) and the ever-majestic Teide peak. This is high elevation driving, folks! Starting from the TF-21 junction, it's a steady climb of about 5.1 km to the viewpoint, gaining 265 meters in elevation. The road's paved and usually in great shape. The landscape here is otherworldly—think dark volcanic rock contrasting with the bright white domes of the nearby observatory. The parking lot at the top is a popular pit stop on the way to the Teide cable car. From here, you can check out the different layers of volcanic eruptions that have shaped Tenerife. Now, for the real talk: the wind. It is a *major* factor up here. Constant, strong gusts whip through the Corral del Niño pass year-round, which can be a bit dicey for motorcycles or high-sided vehicles. Don’t be surprised if it's calm down on the coast and blowing like crazy up here. Also, keep an eye on the temp gauge. Even in summer, it can get chilly at this altitude. And in winter, watch out for fog and ice, especially in the shady pine forest sections before you hit the open volcanic areas. This route is usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down due to snow or black ice on those steep curves. Bottom line: this drive demands respect, but the views are worth it! Get ready for some of the most incredible geological vistas in the Atlantic.
hardWhat are the highest roads in Spain?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Spain's High-Altitude Roads: A Driver's Paradise Spain might be famous for its gorgeous coastlines and beach vibes, but here's the plot twist—it's actually Europe's second-most mountainous country after Switzerland. Seriously! The interior is a jaw-dropping mix of sprawling high-altitude plateaus and dramatic mountain ranges that'll make your jaw drop. The Pyrenees dominate the north with their sheer size, while the Sierra Nevada in the south rises majestically with snow-capped peaks that look straight out of a postcard. This wild, rugged terrain has created an incredible network of high-altitude roads and mountain passes—locals call them "Puertos"—that climb to some of Europe's most breathtaking elevations. For drivers looking for an adrenaline rush combined with mind-blowing scenery, these routes are absolutely calling your name. Ready to hit these legendary roads? Use our interactive map to explore some of the world's most thrilling driving routes and discover the challenging, vertical heart of Spain. There's nothing quite like navigating switchbacks with panoramic mountain views that stretch for miles. Found an amazing road that's not on our radar yet? We'd love to hear about it! Share your discovery and help us grow our collection of the world's most exciting drives.
extremeOymyakon Road is the World’s Coldest Winter Adventure Road Trip
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Sakha Republic of Russia, heading towards Oymyakon, the planet's chilliest village. Buckle up, because you're about to tackle what they call the World’s Coldest Winter Adventure Road Trip! Oymyakon itself is nestled along the Indigirka River, famous for its seriously subarctic climate. We're talking long, brutal winters where temps can plummet to -50°C or even -60°C! The record low? A bone-chilling -71.2°C. Surrounded by mountains, this little village is home to just a few hundred hardy souls. The road in, route 98H-002, kicks off from the Kolyma Highway and stretches for about 38.4 km. But forget smooth asphalt – we're talking completely unpaved, pothole city! Expect a blanket of snow for nine months of the year. And with blizzards being a regular thing, conditions can get wild fast. You'll climb a bit, eventually reaching Oymyakon at 750 meters above sea level. Word to the wise: never, ever drive this road solo. Forget about cell service, and even if you somehow found a signal, your phone probably wouldn't work in that kind of freeze. Life in Oymyakon is all about adapting to the extreme cold. Locals keep their cars in heated garages, and if they leave them out, they leave them running! Expect frozen axle grease, fuel tanks, and pipes that can ice up in just a few hours. Batteries drain super quick too. Despite all that, the road attracts adventurous souls who want to experience what it's like to live in one of the coldest places on Earth.
moderateHow to get to the summit of Monte Toraro in Vicenza?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Toraro: A Peak Steeped in History Perched at 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) in the Province of Vicenza, Monte Toraro sits proudly in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy, right there in the scenic Venetian Prealps. This isn't just any mountain—it's a place where history echoes from every stone. The summit has quite the resume. During WWI, it hosted Italian howitzer batteries before being captured by Austro-Hungarian forces during the Battle of Asiago. Fast forward to the Cold War, and Monte Toraro became a strategic NATO hub. From 1966 to 1977, the Passo Coe–Toraro base functioned as a mountain missile launch site, part of a dozen Italian Air Force installations defending southern Europe. Radars, command posts, and communication antennas dotted the peak until everything was decommissioned and demolished in the late 1970s. Today, you'll find a square at the summit with absolutely stunning panoramic views across the Vicenza plain. On those rare, perfectly clear days, you can even spot the Venice Lagoon shimmering in the distance like a silvery ribbon. The road itself? It's a modest 2-kilometer (1.24-mile) climb from Valbona Pass, gaining just 117 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 5.85% (though it does max out at 16% in spots). Fair warning: the asphalt is crumbling and unmaintained, and the route is off-limits to private vehicles these days. But for those with access, it's a fascinating journey through decades of military history wrapped in Alpine scenery.